Huawei is interested in electric cars
Partnerships and creation of the Aito brand
The Chinese technology giant, Huawei, has made significant incursions into the electric car sector. Through various partnerships, notably with Seres, Huawei created the Aito brand. This collaboration announces its presence at the Paris Motor Show 2024, where three new models will be unveiled.
International development
Aito will take advantage of this event to present its brand strategy on a global scale. Little information is yet available regarding the markets targeted outside of China. However, the brand has already achieved 400,000 sales between February 2022 and July 2024 in its local market.
Three SUV models
Aito will present three models at the show: the Aito 5, the Aito 7, and the Aito 9, already known in China under the names M5, M7, and M9.
Aito 5
The Aito 5, an SUV measuring 4.78 m long, is offered in China with 100% electric or extended-range powertrains. The international version will retain the latter powertrain, with a 42 kWh battery providing a range of 255 km CLTC before the gasoline engine takes over for a total range of 1,440 km CLTC (220 km and 1,230 km according to European WLTP standards).
Aito 7
The Aito 7 is a larger model, measuring 5.02 m in length. It offers a luxurious interior, numerous seats, a Huawei Sound system, and the option to install Huawei tablets. This model also uses an extended-range powertrain, with 200 km WLTP of electric range and 1,150 km in total range.
Aito 9
The Aito 9, the largest of the three (5.23 m), is the flagship of the brand and integrates numerous technological innovations such as a dashboard equipped with screens and a 2080 W audio system. In China, it is available in a 100% electric version with a 100 kWh battery offering 630 km CLTC range and fast-charging capability, as well as in an extended-range version with 233 km WLTP in electric mode and 1,239 km total range.
Technology and import
These models are equipped with Huawei Harmony OS and autonomous driving systems. Notably, the Aito 5 and Aito 9 benefit from LiDAR, unlike the Aito 7. Aito’s decision to focus on extended-range cars could prove strategic in circumventing European tariffs which only target 100% electric vehicles. The Paris Motor Show conference could also be an opportunity to discover the European prices of these SUVs.
